UK woman whose children were removed against their wishes loses appeal

Family division president Sir Andrew McFarlane said he would reinforce need for courts to follow guidance on appointing experts in his judgment. Photograph: Michael Lusmore/Alamy

A mother whose children were removed from her care against their wishes after an unregulated psychologist said she had “alienated” them from their father has lost a high court appeal to have her case reopened.

The landmark test case came before the president of the family division in England and Wales, Sir Andrew McFarlane, who has said he will reinforce the need for the courts to follow guidance on appointing experts in his forthcoming judgment.